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OC Media
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- OC Media
Air Blue Silk — a melancholy debut about social alienation in Georgia
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member 3.5/5 ★ Air Blue Silk focuses on two individuals living still, lonely lives in a city that is quickly and haphazardly being redeveloped before their eyes. Air Blue Silk (2024) is Tbilisi-born director Irine Jordania's debut fiction feature film; it premiered at the PÖFF Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2024. The film tells the story of two people living unrelated lives in Georgia's capital: successful TV presenter Eka (Tina Laghidze), a woman in her forties, and Niko (Lado Odiani), a younger male programmer bent on building an AI robot. Both live in near-total isolation, brought together fleetingly by a video art installation only to part again without saying a word. The first few scenes of Air Blue Silk show Eka on her way to the TV studio, driving a blue Range Rover and listening to an apparently infinite succession of voice notes from an older woman we later learn is her aunt. While not revealed in the film, the film's presskit specifies that the aunt is an economic migrant, living in some unnamed foreign country. The content of these voice notes is charmingly banal — in the first set, the aunt muses over the distinctions between ready-made and home-baked cakes; later messages describe in great detail a trip to the forest with her neighbour to pick mushrooms. Eka flicks through them impatiently, and starts ignoring them completely once she's sat in her makeup chair. Next, we meet Niko at his desktop computer, a tabby cat nuzzling at his feet. Niko doesn't have a single line in the film. Instead, his AI robot — a plaster head that sits on his desk, with a distended skull and large, blinking eyes, in short resembling a female alien — speaks for him in the garbled robotic vernacular of an AI-in-training. She has lines like 'I feel good', 'I exist', and 'You are cool'. Interestingly, Odiani actually built the robot for the film himself. Shots of the city are often filmed from Niko's perspective, particularly people-watching from his window. Tbilisi appears manic compared with the stillness of his apartment. Repeated shots of people getting on and off buses create a sense of futile, compulsive movement. Air Blue Silk was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, so many of the people in the street shots are masked. It conveniently accentuates the film's atmosphere of alienation. Advertisement A third of the way into the film, Eka and Niko sit silently next to each other in a gallery space in Tbilisi's Stamba Hotel, watching an animated piece by South African artist William Kentridge. These animated films are some of Kentridge's best known works, consisting of drawings that are filmed, partially erased, and then redrawn and filmed again, each shot lasting less than a second. Midway through, Eka receives a call informing her that her aunt has committed suicide. From that moment on, the film revolves through three principle shots with minor variations: Eka at home, prone on her sofa, listening to voice notes from her dead aunt; Niko at his desktop, programming his robot; and, finally, Tbilisi street scenes. The seasons are distinguished by shots through Eka's three windows: the trees lose their leaves and regain them, blossom appears, Eka remains horizontal and Niko remains at his desk. Jordania has a keen eye for the strange and the beautiful in her city. She's particularly concerned with the way it is changing — the camera lingers insistently on construction sites, of which there is no shortage of in Tbilisi. One gets a sense of the city being perpetually erased and redrawn, like the pictures in Kentridge's animated film. Hurried and resultantly unsafe urban development eventually resolves into one of the film's principal motifs. Air Blue Silk is a melancholy film, with fittingly blue-toned colour grading. The near-absence of dialogue can get a little testing, however, and comes at the expense of any real character development. The sad, silent scenes showing Eka on the sofa and Niko at his desk get repetitive towards the end, a finale which, though poetically coherent, fell a little flat. On the other hand, the protagonists' lack of speech is fundamental to the film's poetic structure: if Niko and Eka inhabit their solitude in silence, Eka's aunt — the invisible third in their isolated trio — reacts with compulsive talk. These are all failures of communication. After she has died, the voice notes that Eka continues to play come eerily from beyond the grave, like light from a dead star. It's as if the real dialogue of the film is happening at some deeper level, rising to the surface in symbols only: an incomplete world-map puzzle on Eva's living-room table speaks to an urge for wholeness; a plant that Niko finds in the street and brings home and nudges continually into a mobile beam of sunlight stands for his desire to participate in the world outside his window; the trees Eka passes on her hikes are numbered in chalk on their trunks as if directly threatened by the ever-expanding city. These three portraits of contemporary alienation — the successful older woman (who, we can infer, chose her career over family and friends), the young male computer nerd, and the elderly woman, separated from her relatives — were all insightfully chosen, and could have benefited from a little development. But Jordania took a commendable risk with this film, and a good deal of it paid off. Film details: Air Blue Silk (2024) by Irine Jordania. For our culturally curious readers: a free, biweekly selection of film, book, and music recommendations from the Caucasus. Our team offers a varied selection of hidden gems, cherished classics, and notable new releases from all over the region, included in our newsletter.
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
My must-visit destinations in Eastern Europe with cheap spas and white sand beaches – flights are less than £20
DITCH the classic European escapes for these lesser-known gems - that's the advice from experienced Wizz Air flight attendant, Niko. She's not a regular cabin crew, though as Niko has been with the airline since the very first flight in 2004. 8 Niko (right) has been flying with Wizz Air for over 20 years Credit: Wizz Air 8 One of her recommendations for Eastern Europe is Albania Credit: Alamy Niko told Sun Travel: " "The beaches are beautiful - it's even been called the European Maldives. You can hire paddleboards and go into secret sea caves on the clear water. "The food is great too, and the price of accommodation is very low." Albania is extremely cheap for Brits, with coffees costing around 167Lek (£1.47). Read More on Eastern Europe Pints of around 250 Lek (£2.11) and small imported beer bottles costing 350 Lek (£3.07). As for where to stay, you can find a room at a 4-star hotel for an average of £76 per night. But for anyone on a budget, we found stays for as little as £7.20 per night on Another affordable activity in Albania is heading to the spa. Most read in City breaks The highly rated Ritual Spa in the capital has 60-minute massage services for as little as 4000 lek (around £35). The average price in the UK is between £55 to £90. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations 8 Niko first flew with Wizz Air on the very first flight in 2004 Credit: Wizz Air 8 Albania is home to white sandy beaches with clear blue waters Credit: Alamy Now, for the beaches, there are plenty near Tirana, from Spille to Durrës and Lalez Beach. But if you want the This seaside village of Travellers on Tripadvisor have advised that you'll likely need to hire out sunbeds on the beach, but this is relatively cheap. One reported going to the Orange Beach Club where they paid €10 (£8.60) for two sunbeds and access to the infinity pool. Ksamil is four hours from the capital of Albania and can be reached by bus or taxi. Check out more tips about With Wizz Air, you can fly from 8 Sibiu in Transylvania is another must-see city Credit: Alamy 8 One popular spot is The Bridge of Lies Credit: Alamy Another top Eastern European destination Niko recommends visiting is Sibiu in The city is landlocked so there are no beaches nearby, but there is still plenty to see. Niko added: "I've been to Sibiu in "You have the mountains, so there's lots of nature, the food is amazing, everything is cheap and the people are so friendly. "And you should try Papanasi. It's a Romanian dessert that's like a doughnut. It tastes amazing, but not good if you're on a diet." A Papanasi is a fried or boiled cheese doughnut, typically served with sour cream and jam. It's soft on the inside and crispy on the outside - and you can pick one up for around £4 in Romania. Everything is cheap and the people are so friendly According to Beer can cost as little as 5lei, which translates to just 85p. And the price of an average Cappuccino is 12lei (£2). The city is known for its charming and colourful old town and there are still lots of medieval walls and towers to have a look at. While in Sibiu, take a look at The Bridge of Lies which has lots of legends and myths behind it - and when lit up at night, can make for a great picture spot too. According to The Big Square, which is historic and filled with market stalls, cafes, restaurants and shops. Flights from Birmingham to Sibiu with Wizz Air start from £35.99. Niko really knows her stuff on where to visit, as she's been flying with Wizz Air from the very beginning - including its very first flight in 2004. 8 The central square is full of cafes, restaurants and shops to stop in Credit: Alamy At the time, Wizz Air had just one aircraft which had no luggage compartments, just shelves, and there wasn't a built-in oxygen system either. Thanks to her 26-year-long cabin crew career, there aren't many places Niko hasn't been yet, but there is one on her list - Tromso. The city in Norway is dubbed the Arctic Circle capital. Niko added: "I want to go to One You can fly from 8 Albania has some beautiful beaches and has even been called the 'European Maldives' Credit: Alamy
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
My must-visit destinations in Eastern Europe with cheap spas and white sand beaches – flights are less than £20
DITCH the classic European escapes for these lesser-known gems - that's the advice from experienced Wizz Air flight attendant, Niko. She's not a regular cabin crew, though as Niko has been with the airline since the very first flight in 2004. 8 Niko told Sun Travel: " Tirana, the capital of Albania, is an overlooked destination. "The beaches are beautiful - it's even been called the European Maldives. You can hire paddleboards and go into secret sea caves on the clear water. "The food is great too, and the price of accommodation is very low." Albania is extremely cheap for Brits, with coffees costing around 167Lek (£1.47). Pints of local beer around 250 Lek (£2.11) and small imported beer bottles costing 350 Lek (£3.07). As for where to stay, you can find a room at a 4-star hotel for an average of £76 per night. But for anyone on a budget, we found stays for as little as £7.20 per night on Another affordable activity in Albania is heading to the spa. The highly rated Ritual Spa in the capital has 60-minute massage services for as little as 4000 lek (around £35). The average price in the UK is between £55 to £90. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations 8 8 Now, for the beaches, there are plenty near Tirana, from Spille to Durrës and Lalez Beach. But if you want the Maldives experience, you'll have to head further south. This seaside village of Ksamil is where you'll find crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Travellers on Tripadvisor have advised that you'll likely need to hire out sunbeds on the beach, but this is relatively cheap. One reported going to the Orange Beach Club where they paid €10 (£8.60) for two sunbeds and access to the infinity pool. Ksamil is four hours from the capital of Albania and can be reached by bus or taxi. Check out more tips about Albania from locals who live there - including 40p dishes. With Wizz Air, you can fly from London Luton to Tirana from £19.99 in August. 8 8 Another top Eastern European destination Niko recommends visiting is Sibiu in Transylvania. The city is landlocked so there are no beaches nearby, but there is still plenty to see. Niko added: "I've been to Sibiu in Romania several times already. "You have the mountains, so there's lots of nature, the food is amazing, everything is cheap and the people are so friendly. "And you should try Papanasi. It's a Romanian dessert that's like a doughnut. It tastes amazing, but not good if you're on a diet." A Papanasi is a fried or boiled cheese doughnut, typically served with sour cream and jam. It's soft on the inside and crispy on the outside - and you can pick one up for around £4 in Romania. Everything is cheap and the people are so friendly According to Wise, the cost of a three course meal for two in Sibiu costs an average of 175lei (£30). Beer can cost as little as 5lei, which translates to just 85p. And the price of an average Cappuccino is 12lei (£2). The city is known for its charming and colourful old town and there are still lots of medieval walls and towers to have a look at. While in Sibiu, take a look at The Bridge of Lies which has lots of legends and myths behind it - and when lit up at night, can make for a great picture spot too. According to Tripadvisor, another must-see spot in Sibiu is Muzeul Astra, the largest open air museum in Europe. The Big Square, which is historic and filled with market stalls, cafes, restaurants and shops. Flights from Birmingham to Sibiu with Wizz Air start from £35.99. Niko really knows her stuff on where to visit, as she's been flying with Wizz Air from the very beginning - including its very first flight in 2004. 8 At the time, Wizz Air had just one aircraft which had no luggage compartments, just shelves, and there wasn't a built-in oxygen system either. Thanks to her 26-year-long cabin crew career, there aren't many places Niko hasn't been yet, but there is one on her list - Tromso. The city in Norway is dubbed the Arctic Circle capital. Niko added: "I want to go to Tromso to see the Northern Lights. I've never seen them, even flying as cabin crew - that's next on my list." One Travel Writer visited Tromso where they went on a boat trip and even spotted wild orcas. You can fly from London Luton to Tromso from £49.99 with flights starting in October 2025. 8
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
My must-visit destinations in Eastern Europe with cheap spas and white sand beaches – flights are less than £20
You can get even get beers for under £2.50 FLY OUT My must-visit destinations in Eastern Europe with cheap spas and white sand beaches – flights are less than £20 DITCH the classic European escapes for these lesser-known gems - that's the advice from experienced Wizz Air flight attendant, Niko. She's not a regular cabin crew, though as Niko has been with the airline since the very first flight in 2004. 8 Niko (right) has been flying with Wizz Air for over 20 years Credit: Wizz Air 8 One of her recommendations for Eastern Europe is Albania Credit: Alamy Niko told Sun Travel: "Tirana, the capital of Albania, is an overlooked destination. "The beaches are beautiful - it's even been called the European Maldives. You can hire paddleboards and go into secret sea caves on the clear water. "The food is great too, and the price of accommodation is very low." Albania is extremely cheap for Brits, with coffees costing around 167Lek (£1.47). Pints of local beer around 250 Lek (£2.11) and small imported beer bottles costing 350 Lek (£3.07). As for where to stay, you can find a room at a 4-star hotel for an average of £76 per night. But for anyone on a budget, we found stays for as little as £7.20 per night on Another affordable activity in Albania is heading to the spa. The highly rated Ritual Spa in the capital has 60-minute massage services for as little as 4000 lek (around £35). The average price in the UK is between £55 to £90. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations 8 Niko first flew with Wizz Air on the very first flight in 2004 Credit: Wizz Air 8 Albania is home to white sandy beaches with clear blue waters Credit: Alamy Now, for the beaches, there are plenty near Tirana, from Spille to Durrës and Lalez Beach. But if you want the Maldives experience, you'll have to head further south. This seaside village of Ksamil is where you'll find crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Travellers on Tripadvisor have advised that you'll likely need to hire out sunbeds on the beach, but this is relatively cheap. One reported going to the Orange Beach Club where they paid €10 (£8.60) for two sunbeds and access to the infinity pool. Ksamil is four hours from the capital of Albania and can be reached by bus or taxi. Check out more tips about Albania from locals who live there - including 40p dishes. With Wizz Air, you can fly from London Luton to Tirana from £19.99 in August. 8 Sibiu in Transylvania is another must-see city Credit: Alamy 8 One popular spot is The Bridge of Lies Credit: Alamy Another top Eastern European destination Niko recommends visiting is Sibiu in Transylvania. The city is landlocked so there are no beaches nearby, but there is still plenty to see. Niko added: "I've been to Sibiu in Romania several times already. "You have the mountains, so there's lots of nature, the food is amazing, everything is cheap and the people are so friendly. "And you should try Papanasi. It's a Romanian dessert that's like a doughnut. It tastes amazing, but not good if you're on a diet." A Papanasi is a fried or boiled cheese doughnut, typically served with sour cream and jam. It's soft on the inside and crispy on the outside - and you can pick one up for around £4 in Romania. Everything is cheap and the people are so friendly According to Wise, the cost of a three course meal for two in Sibiu costs an average of 175lei (£30). Beer can cost as little as 5lei, which translates to just 85p. And the price of an average Cappuccino is 12lei (£2). The city is known for its charming and colourful old town and there are still lots of medieval walls and towers to have a look at. While in Sibiu, take a look at The Bridge of Lies which has lots of legends and myths behind it - and when lit up at night, can make for a great picture spot too. According to Tripadvisor, another must-see spot in Sibiu is Muzeul Astra, the largest open air museum in Europe. The Big Square, which is historic and filled with market stalls, cafes, restaurants and shops. Flights from Birmingham to Sibiu with Wizz Air start from £35.99. Niko really knows her stuff on where to visit, as she's been flying with Wizz Air from the very beginning - including its very first flight in 2004. 8 The central square is full of cafes, restaurants and shops to stop in Credit: Alamy At the time, Wizz Air had just one aircraft which had no luggage compartments, just shelves, and there wasn't a built-in oxygen system either. Thanks to her 26-year-long cabin crew career, there aren't many places Niko hasn't been yet, but there is one on her list - Tromso. The city in Norway is dubbed the Arctic Circle capital. Niko added: "I want to go to Tromso to see the Northern Lights. I've never seen them, even flying as cabin crew - that's next on my list." One Travel Writer visited Tromso where they went on a boat trip and even spotted wild orcas. You can fly from London Luton to Tromso from £49.99 with flights starting in October 2025.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Oklahoma's 'different' style of recruiting and culture under Brent Venables has appealed to so many players
Why Oklahoma's 'different' style of recruiting and culture under Brent Venables has appealed to so many players originally appeared on A to Z Sports. As soon as Brent Venables assumed the role as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, he immediately brought in an entirely new culture to the Sooners. Nicknamed The SOUL Mission, Oklahoma's new culture is driven by faith and an honest approach, something the new staff isn't afraid to show and demonstrate to players. Advertisement This approach has already resonated with several recruits, and it has played a major factor in Oklahoma's 2026 class. Linebacker Beau Jandreau, a three-star and one of the top players from Arizona, said it was the coaching staff's expression of their faith that ultimately swayed him into committing to Oklahoma. "They're just constantly outspoken about Jesus. And that's huge for our family. I don't know, it was always that feeling; having OU in the back of my mind, with Niko there. That's why I felt God called me. Even in talking to my mentors, every time we'd speak about the process, OU would always come to my mind because of the core values I had. That's what OU always aligned with." The Sooners also have several coaches who are genuine and aren't afraid to be frank with recruits. While a lot of coaches will pay lip service to players, Brent Venables has built a staff that believes in genuineness when it comes to their players. Matthew Nelson, another 2026 commit, noted defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis's approach in his recruiting process which was so different and refreshing. "I think it was whenever coach Chavis offered me and we talked a little bit and I think like two days later he was down at Bryant. He came and we had dinner with my family and after that – I was like 'ok, Oklahoma does it different'..It was kind of like 'we'll see where this goes. Chavis is genuine and for real with everything he says. He will tell you straight up. Other coaches will tell you what you want to hear. He'll just tell you it straight. Another thing would be how much he talks about his faith. He loves his players, loves his wife, loves his kids, loves his recruits." Advertisement Multiple commits in this class have openly cited the staff's faith playing a key part in their recruiting. Wide receiver Jordan Clay, a currently uncommitted 2026 target but one the Sooners would love to have, told SoonerScoop that wide receivers coach Emmett Jones didn't play some of the "games" that a lot of coaches will do in recruiting. Jones told Clay straight up not to mess around with his future. Instead of simply going over film, Jones talked about life and his future with Clay. I think this style of approach is an interesting contrast with how so much of college recruiting is discussed. Nowadays, any time a recruit is brought up, the conversation always inevitably turns into money and how much a school spent to bring a player in. While the Sooners definitely are doing that, it's the rest of the approach that I think has established Oklahoma's new culture and played a key role in their success in recruiting. Rather than letting the money talk, the coaches themselves are talking and holding nothing back. I, for one, can appreciate the human side of a sport that's seemingly growing more business-like by the day. Advertisement Related: Oklahoma Sooners vault themselves into contention for must-have recruit after successful major recruiting event View the original article to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
